Report outlines measures to combat antibiotic resistance
The researchers argue that without the economic incentives they propose, new treatments to use in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria may never make it to patients.
Keystone
A plan to fight back against antibiotic resistance, developed by an international consortium managed by Swiss researchers, calls for marketing incentives for research and development investments into crucial new drugs.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SDA-ATS/ln
Researchers and public health organisations have long been raising awareness about the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the lack of new treatments being developed to combat these strains.
Now, DRIVE-ABExternal link, an international consortium of public health organisations, researchers and pharmaceutical companies piloted by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and England-based AstraZenecaExternal link, has published a report that proposes concrete economic solutions to combat this global problem.
In particular, the writers of the report, published WednesdayExternal link, recommend a market entry reward for antibiotics fulfilling certain conditions to meet the health needs of the public, in order to create more attractive conditions for research and development investments.
They argue that such a reward – involving a series of payments to a pharmaceutical developer for getting regulatory approval for a certain antibiotic – of $1 billion (CHF940 million) per product could significantly increase the number of new drugs entering the market in the next 30 years. Such a financial incentive would be accompanied by requirements for responsible use of and equitable access to these medicines, they write.
Stephan Harbarth, a professor at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine and the coordinator of the DRIVE-AB project, said in a statement that implementing such incentives would take time. He emphasised that it is therefore imperative to act quickly, so that “these new antibiotics will be at our disposal in the next ten to 20 years”.
Other models analysed in the report include non-refundable research grants, the creation of government organisations to identify and fill holes in the global antibiotic pipeline, and long-term financing to guarantee a stable supply of generic antibiotics.
The consequences of antibiotic resistance are severe and on the rise. For the first time last year, Switzerland launched its own campaign in parallel to the World Health Organization’s annual Antibiotic Awareness Week, to educate the public as well as experts on issue.
Popular Stories
More
Life & Aging
Zurich: how the world capital of housing shortages is tackling the problem
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Ex-sect member sentenced in Zurich for sexual abuse
This content was published on
Zurich District Court has sentenced a former member of the globally active sect "Children of God" to a partial prison sentence.
SNB chairman does not rule out slowdown in Swiss growth
This content was published on
Martin Schlegel, chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), does not rule out a weakening of the Swiss economy in light of the tariff dispute.
Swiss NGOs abroad to receive 10% less federal funding
This content was published on
In 2025 and 2026, Swiss NGOs will have 10% less federal funding available for international cooperation than in the previous two-year period.
Swiss parties spent less than CHF1 million on February green vote
This content was published on
Swiss political parties spent CHF 700,000 ($840,000) on campaigns in the run-up to the overwhelmingly defeated vote on February 9, according to the Swiss Federal Audit Office.
This content was published on
Swisswool, the largest Swiss wool processor, is not accepting any wool for the first time this spring. For many sheep farmers, the only option is to get rid of the wool.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Lucerne research finds how to cut antibiotic overuse in babies
This content was published on
Researchers has successfully tested a way of targeting antibiotic therapy in new-born babies, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatment and side effects.
This content was published on
Nina Kathe has just started classes at the University of Zurich, but she’s already the author of award-winning research into a global health concern.
Anti-pesticide farm initiative passes the signature stage
This content was published on
Campaigners have handed in signatures backing an initiative which would cut direct subsidies to farmers who use pesticides or antibiotics.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.